CIRI tops fundraising goal, secures sponsors

Since floating the idea of creating a JanSan research foundation last November, organizers claim they have secured more than enough funding from a dozen major industry corporate and trade association sponsors to underwrite the launch of the proposed Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI).

According to Jim Harris, Sr., CIRI’s interim chairman, the organization had set a goal of $40,000 to fund the creation of the organization, as well as its vision, mission, goals and bylaws.

Funding allows CIRI to hire necessary staff members that will guide the organization through the development process, according to a press release.

The twelve companies that have become Founding Sponsors of CIRI are:

The Carpet and Rug Institute

Castle Rock Industries

The Cleaning Management Institute®

Concepts IV

JohnsonDiversey Inc.

Kaivac, Inc.

Novozymes

P&G Pro Line™

PortionPac Chemical Corp.

ProTeam, Inc.

Shaw Industries, Inc.

Tennant Company

CIRI Interim Executive Director Frank Wiley attributes the success of the development of CIRI thus far to generous contributions from these sponsors.

Wiley said that not only has CIRI received the funding necessary to develop the organization — which will conclude with the second Steering Committee meeting this month — but also to almost fully fund the launch of CIRI to all stakeholders in the industry this fall.

Sub-committees are currently working to finalize Vision/Mission/Value, Goals & Budget, and Bylaws, which Wiley said, will be presented for approval to the CIRI Steering Committee at its second meeting, June 21 and 22, in Chicago.